April, 2025

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Advice for picking the right scan tool

Auto Service World

Selecting the right scan tool is crucial for automotive technicians, and understanding the options can help make the best choice for your shop. An expert recently laid out the decision-making process for picking the right one. At the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Technology Conference, Donny Seyfer, executive director of the National Automotive Service Task Force, provided insights on how to choose the right scan tool for vehicle diagnostics.

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Battery Maintenance: How to Get Your Battery Ready for Summer Heat

Louisville Automotive Shop

As the temperature starts to rise, it’s essential to ensure your car’s battery is ready to withstand the heat of summer. Neglecting your battery maintenance can lead to unwanted breakdowns and costly repairs. Here are some tips to help you get your battery ready for the summer heat: 1. Check the Battery’s Age Car batteries typically last between 3 to 5 years.

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5 Great Ways to Show Initiative as an Auto Mechanic Apprentice

Automotive Training Centre

Starting as an auto mechanic apprentice is an exciting step into the world of professional automotive service. But once you’re in the shop, how do you stand out? One word: initiative. Showing initiative not only builds trust with your mentors and supervisorsit also helps you grow faster, gain more responsibilities, and make a lasting impression that could lead to full-time employment.

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You’re Not Spending Enough Money On Marketing with Parker Branch

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 146 You’re Not Spending Enough Money On Marketing with Parker Branch Brian and Parker dive into how strategic marketing investment can drive real growth for auto repair shops. Parker shares how increasing his marketing spend transformed his business, leading to record-breaking profits and industry recognition. They discuss why many shop owners hesitate to spend more on marketing and how cutting back can actually slow growth.

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Air Ride Service Options

Tomorrow's Technician

ir ride systems can offer great benefits for drivers. They can improve ride quality and add functionality like increased ride height for off-road excursions. But, as with other hard-working components, air ride shocks and struts will eventually fail, succumbing to either damage to or dry rot of the air spring. In addition, the dampener, which is just like any other shock or strut, will lose its ability to control the movement of the suspension due to internal wear and will lose fluid inside the

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Is Your Loyalty Program Driving Revenue? A Guide to Measuring ROI for Tire Shops

BayIQ

A loyalty rewards program can make all the difference in increasing repeat business at your tire shop. Understanding your loyalty rewards program's return on investment (ROI) is critical for tracking profitability, increasing customer retention, and ensuring that your shop stands out from the competition. This blog will break down what you should measure, where things often go wrong, and how BayIQ can turn your shop into a revenue-generating powerhouse.

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Why there’s a growing need to be more digital

Auto Service World

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation as digital technologies reshape the way vehicles are bought and sold and dealers need to keep pace or lose relevancy. The rise of online car buying platforms represents a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour and expectations, according to analytics firm GlobalData, a trend that was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

More Trending

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Why Attend an Auto Parts Trade Show After Auto Parts Training?

Automotive Training Centre

If youve completed or are currently enrolled in auto parts training , you might be wondering what comes next. You may already have a strong foundation in parts management, inventory systems, and customer service, but how do you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry? Attending an auto parts trade show is one of the best ways to enhance your knowledge, connect with industry professionals, and explore new career opportunities.

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How to Simplify Tax Season for Your Auto Repair Shop This Year

AutoShopOwner

Its no secret that time is limited as an auto repair shop owner. Between diagnosing complex engine issues to managing your mechanics and creating a five-star customer experience, theres often little time left to focus on your financials. But what happens when tax season rolls around, and youre forced to buckle down on organizing your records and preparing your returns?

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Turbos Are Cool Again – Here’s How To Keep Them That Way

Tomorrow's Technician

The automotive world continues to evolve and rules concerning emissions and fuel economy are driving manufacturers to develop new or revise existing technologies to improve fuel economy and improve engine performance. One of the key developments of these adaptations has been the increased use of turbochargers. Many people remember thatturbochargers have been around a while, though in the past, the technology was unreliable at best, typically because of overheating.

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How to Promote Your Auto Repair Shop’s Community Involvement Without Bragging

Shop Marketing Pros

Lets be real. Giving back to your community feels good. Whether its sponsoring a local sports team, supporting a food bank, or funding a scholarship, community involvement for auto repair shops is a powerful way to make an impact and build relationships. But heres the challenge: How do you promote your auto repair shops community engagement without coming off as self-serving?

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NAPA Now marks milestone, advancing future technology

Auto Service World

Celebrating a major milestone while keeping an eye on providing new tools and technology were the focus of the NAPA Now event in Las Vegas last week. NAPA Now was held April 15-17 at the Venetian Expo with thousands in attendance to take part in training opportunities, take in new tools and advanced training technologies, all while marking 100 years since the launch of the NAPA brand.

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ADAS Calibration

Brake & Front End

Many shops and technicians can come up with multiple reasons why they dont want to perform ADAS calibrations or invest in the equipment. But, chances are they dont understand what happens during an ADAS calibration. The most challenging concept to embrace is that most ADAS cameras and radar sensors do not have moving parts inside. Cameras are set at the factory for focus and field of view.

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Mentorship Matters: How Instructors at Our Auto Mechanic School Champion Your Success

Automotive Training Centre

At ATC Cambridge, mentorship is the foundation of our auto mechanic school. For students dreaming of hands-on careers in the automotive field, having expert instructors makes all the difference in how well they learn, how confident they feel, and how ready they are for the real world. We believe experienced mentors are essential to quality auto mechanic training, and our students agree.

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Cristina Balan Wins Appeal Against Tesla in Defamation Web of Lawsuits

autoevolution

If you have never heard of Cristina Balan, you must be new to Tesla controversies. The Romanian engineer has been fighting the battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker since it accused her of embezzlement and kickback in a 2017 article from the Huffington Post. Although it is no longer online, it did enough damage for Balan never to be hired again. Almost eight years later, she celebrated a massive win in that legal war.

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Specialized Lifting Equipment and Procedures for Electric Vehicle Repairs 

Tomorrow's Technician

The unique architecture of electric vehicles, particularly their high-voltage systems and battery packs, requires a specialized approach to maintenance and repair. Auto shops must prioritize electric vehicle lift safety, as traditional repair techniques can pose risks when applied to EVs. EVs differ significantly due to their power sourcethe high-voltage battery pack.

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Preparing for June’s Marketing

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 149 Preparing for Junes Marketing Summers heating up and so should your marketing! In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand get real about what actually works for shop owners when it comes to June marketing. From summer travel prep and cooling system services to creative promotions for Tire Safety Month and celebrating your hardworking team during Automotive Service Professionals Week, this episode is your go-to guide for planning ah

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Bestbuy newest members of Federated

Auto Service World

Bestbuy Distributors Limited has joined the Federated Auto Parts Group. The Toronto-based company is now a member of the major North American automotive aftermarket buying group. The strategic partnership marks a new chapter for Bestbuy, giving it access to access to competitive buying opportunities, exclusive national brand programs and a network of industry peers.

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ADAS Secrets– What Are The Senses Telling You?

Brake & Front End

Make some time to think about what you are doing when repairing advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) electronics on a vehicle. A vehicle that was not calibrated at all or calibrated incorrectly creates the same hazards not only to the driver of the vehicle you repaired, but also to other drivers and families on the road. I hope this is a sobering thought to all who are reading this.

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How to Interpret Warning Alerts After Automotive School

Automotive Training Centre

If youre graduating from automotive school and preparing to work with traditional and electric vehicles (EVs), understanding warning alerts is key. Todays vehicles rely on advanced electronic systems to monitor performance, safety, and efficiency. Whether you’re servicing a gasoline-powered car or working as a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, recognizing what dashboard alerts mean is crucial for diagnosing and repairing vehicles effectively.

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April Car Care Series: Dashboard Emojis – Ignore vs. Panic

Girls Auto Clinic

Dashboard emojis (a.k.a. warning lights) can be straight-up confusing. One day, youre cruising down the road, and suddenly, a tiny glowing symbol pops up on your dashboard. What does it mean? Should you pull over immediately or can it wait? Good news: You dont need to memorize all of them. Instead, think of your dashboard emojis like a stoplightred, yellow, and green.

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Understanding Today’s Fuel Line Requirements

Tomorrow's Technician

If youre of a certain age and, as a shop owner, you probably know what I mean youre constantly amazed by how much longer cars and trucks last than they used to. When we were kids, if your dad got four or five years before his car rusted out, it was kind of a big deal. Today, vehicles are lasting longer than ever. Bodies and engines are more reliable and durable and the average age of a car on the road is over 12 years!

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Should You Use Coupons in Your Auto Repair Marketing Strategy?

Shop Marketing Pros

Coupons. Just mentioning the word in an auto repair shop owners group is enough to start a heated debate. Some shop owners swear by them, saying they keep bays full and bring in new customers. Others think they cheapen the brand and attract nothing but price shoppers who disappear the moment they find a better deal. So, whats the real story? Should your shop use coupons, or are they costing you more than they bring in?

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Longtime employees take ownership of Red Deer’s Elmac Auto Electric

Auto Service World

Eldon Bornn and Tiffany Favelle are the new owners of Elmac Auto Electric Ltd., a Bumper to Bumper auto parts store in Red Deer, Alta. The business has been a fixture in the community since 1981, when it was founded by a local father and son duo Lawrence and Gary McIntosh. Operating under the Bumper to Bumper banner, the store provides automotive parts, tools, accessories and DC electrical equipment testing and servicing.

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How the Cybertruck Went From the Hottest Car to the Biggest Flop in Just One Year

autoevolution

Despite the peculiar shape, the Tesla Cybertruck promised to be a cutting-edge vehicle from the future that was set to revolutionize the automotive industry. However, it arrived too late and with significantly toned-down features. After a short success, the Cybertruck proved a monumental failure. Here's what led to this loss of steam for one of the most anticipated vehicles in the world.

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Automotive Career Spotlight: What Does a Fuel Specialist Do?

Automotive Training Centre

What does a fuel specialist do ? If you’re considering a career in the automotive industry, specializing as a fuel specialist could open doors to a dynamic and rewarding profession. Fuel specialists help to ensure vehicles run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with modern environmental regulations. With rising concerns about fuel efficiency, emissions control, and alternative fuel sources, skilled professionals in this area are in high demand.

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Consumer Confidence is Down! Time to Bump Up the Customer Experience!

AutoShopOwner

Take if someone who has lived through many uncertain times, this is the best time to bump up your customer experience. Show confidence and and show that you appreciate your customers. This also means showing appreciation for your employees - Happy employees create happy customers. While there is a lot of uncertainty these days, there is one thing you can take to the bank: With the right positive mindset, staying strong and driving forward, you will be better off in the good times.

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A/C Refrigerant Identification and Leak Detection 

Tomorrow's Technician

It is almost May, and that means it is air conditioning season for shops. With new A/C systems using less refrigerant, leak detection and refrigerant identification is more critical than ever. A leak that once lost two or three ounces a year could have performance issues for the HVAC system much sooner than an older system. This is why you need to upgrade your HVAC skills and tools.

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Exciting News: Announcing the Addition of SmartDrive to the Solera Fleet Platform!

Solera

We are thrilled to announce that SmartDrive is now fully integrated into the Solera Fleet Platform, marking a significant milestone in fleet management. This powerful update brings together the advanced safety and coaching features of SmartDrive with the comprehensive capabilities of the Solera Fleet Platform, creating an innovative and unified platform that sets a new standard in operational efficiency.

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How wording change can impact consumers

Auto Service World

As consumer spending remains high and business investment continues to grow, differentiating among competitors has become more challenging than ever. With consumers open to changing brands, its crucial for brands to find ways to stand out but thats a challenge as customers have less of a connection with products that have better name power in the trades, according to a marketing agency.

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Valvoline Launches New Oils as GF-7 Standard Takes Effect

Brake & Front End

Valvoline announced the launch of its new passenger car motor oil formulas for both the U.S. and Canada. The company said these formulas surpass the updated International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) GF-7 standards, which formally went into effect on March 31. Valvoline added that its current ILSAC GF-6 certified synthetic Valvoline motor oils already meet all requirements of the new ILSAC GF-7 specification.

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Understanding the Importance of Computer Literacy After Dispatch Training

Automotive Training Centre

The transportation and logistics industry is evolving rapidly, with digital tools and technology playing an increasingly important role in daily operations. After dispatch training , your role could extend from managing fleet schedules to tracking shipments. Thats why professionals in this field rely on software and digital platforms to keep supply chains moving efficiently.

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April Car Care Series: Getting Greener With Your Car

Girls Auto Clinic

Sponsored by Renewable Fuels Association We know you care about the environmentand so do I. I understand not everyone is ready (or able) to shell out thousands of dollars on a newer, eco-friendly car. The good news? You dont have to. Theres a simple, affordable way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money without upgrading your ride. Enter Ethanol 15 (E15).

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Thermal Management In New Energy Vehicles

Tomorrow's Technician

Regardless of nameplate, your customers may be driving something they or you dont even understand. New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), a type of vehicle which includes Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids, rely on a thermal management system that is critical for the performance, safety, and longevity of these vehicles. Three key components of the thermal management system – management hoses, electric water pumps, and electric coolant valves – all work together to regulate the tempe

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Original Tires, Tons of Papers: 1969 Camaro Z28 Seeks Owner at Its First-Ever Public Sale

autoevolution

Chevrolet introduced the Camaro in the fall of 1966 as a first-responder Bowtie alternative to the immensely successful Ford Mustang. Curiously, GM didn’t have anything to show in the pony car field for a year and a half, giving the Blue Oval icon a massive head start. What it lost in numbers, Chevrolet made up for in specialized, dedicated offers for a select few, and none was more appealing than the Z/28.

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How EV batteries can be repurposed

Auto Service World

Batteries from electric vehicles are likely to be either recycled for their valuable content or repurposed, according to a recent report. A new report by IDTechEx, Second-life Electric Vehicle Batteries 2025-2035: Markets, Forecasts, Players, and Technologies explored the commercial feasibility of repurposing EV batteries for stationary storage applications after their initial automotive use. “After a Li-ion battery has served its first life in an electric vehicle, automotive OEMs will be

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Turbos Are Cool Again – Here’s How To Keep Them That Way

Brake & Front End

The automotive world continues to evolve and rules concerning emissions and fuel economy are driving manufacturers to develop new or revise existing technologies to improve fuel economy and improve engine performance. One of the key developments of these adaptations has been the increased use of turbochargers. Many people remember thatturbochargers have been around a while, though in the past, the technology was unreliable at best, typically because of overheating.